System for preventing loss of golf clubs

ABSTRACT

An attachment consisting of a frame with three small flags is to be clipped to the upper seam of a golf bag, and used to remind the golfer of how many golf clubs have been removed from the golf bag. The set consists of flags numbered two through four, corresponding to the number of golf clubs the golfer has removed from the golf bag. The frame is equipped with one or more clips for removably clipping to the golf bag without damaging it. Once the golfer has removed a specific number of golf clubs from the golf bag, he will raise the flag that represents that number. When the golfer is returning to his cart, he will notice the flag and will be reminded of the number of golf clubs he took, and whether one was accidently left behind on the course.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/770,277 filed Feb. 27, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/931,589 filed Jan. 25, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to golf accessories, and in particular to a system for preventing the loss of golf clubs. A golfer will frequently remove multiple golf clubs from the bag at the same hole, when facing a tough shot and uncertain of which golf club to use. There is a significant risk that a golf club may be forgotten, left behind, and lost. In addition to their substantial monetary value, many golf clubs have a sentimental value that a new golf club cannot replace. A simple, inconspicuous and inexpensive reminder system, that will help the golfer remember how many clubs have been removed from the bag, would effectively eliminate the risk of losing golf clubs in this manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention is directed to an attachment consisting of a frame with three small flags, to be clipped to the upper seam of a golf bag, and used to remind the golfer of how many golf clubs have been removed from the golf bag. The set of flags consists of flags numbered two through four, corresponding to the number of golf clubs the golfer has removed from the golf bag. It is assumed that if the golfer removed only one golf club, the golf club will be in his or her hand and can be easily remembered. The frame is equipped with one or more clips for removably clipping to the golf bag without damaging it. Once the golfer has removed a specific number of golf clubs from the golf bag, he will raise the flag that represents that number. When the golfer is returning to his cart, he will notice the flag and will be reminded of the number of golf clubs he took, and whether one was accidently left behind on the course.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment with the “2” flag deployed, displaying the frame 10, the clip 11, the “2” flag 12, the “3” flag 13, the “4” flag 14, and the shaft 16.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the frame 10, the clip 11, the “2” flag 12, the “3” flag 13, the “4” flag 14, and the internal clips 15.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the frame 10, the clip 11, the “2” flag 12, the “3” flag 13, and the “4” flag 14.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the first exemplary embodiment with the “4” flag deployed, displaying the frame 10, the clip 11, the “2” flag 12, the “3” flag 13, the “4” flag 14, and the shaft 16.

FIG. 5 shows a side cross-sectional view of the first exemplary embodiment with the “4” flag deployed, displaying the frame 10, the clip 11, the “3” flag 13, the “4” flag 14, the internal clips 15, and the shaft 16.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment with the “2” flag deployed, displaying the frame 10, the clip 11, the “2” flag 12, the “3” flag 13, and the shaft 16.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the second exemplary embodiment with no flags deployed, displaying the frame 310, the golf bag 311, the flags 312, 313, and 314; and the golf clubs 315.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the second exemplary embodiment with the “2” flag deployed, displaying the frame 310, the golf bag 311, the “2” flag 312, the “3” flag 313, the “4” flag 314, and the golf clubs 315.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment with the “3” flag deployed, displaying the frame 310, the golf bag 311, the “2” flag 312, the “3” flag 313, the “4” flag 314, and the golf clubs 315.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the first exemplary embodiment with the “4” flag deployed, displaying the frame 310, the “2” flag 312, the “3” flag 313, the “4” flag 314, and the golf clubs 315.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention (in its first exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-6) is directed to an attachment consisting of a frame 10 with at least three small flags 12, 13, and 14, to be clipped to the upper seam of a golf bag, and used to remind the golfer of how many golf clubs removed from the golf bag. The frame 10 contains a set of at least three flags; a “2” flag 12, a “3” flag 13, and a “4” flag 14. More or fewer flags are contemplated. Each flag 12, 13 and 14 corresponds to the number of golf clubs the golfer has removed from the golf bag, and features the corresponding number printed on both sides. It is assumed that if the golfer removed only one golf club, the golf club will be in his or her hand and can be easily remembered so that it may be returned to the golf bag. The frame 10 is equipped with one or more clips 11 for removably clipping to the golf bag without damaging it. Once the golfer has removed a specific number of golf clubs from the golf bag, he or she will extend the flag which represents the number of golf clubs removed. When the golfer is returning to the cart, he or she will preferably notice the flags 12, 13 and 14 and will be reminded of the number of golf clubs taken, and remember whether any golf clubs were accidently left behind on the course.

Each flag 12, 13 and 14 is preferably rigid and composed of a flat triangle, like a pennant, at the end of a shaft 16. Preferably, the shaft 16 is six inches long and the triangle is two inches long. The shaft 16 is preferably slidably affixed within the frame 10 in a manner that enables the shaft to extend or retract, and lock into position at each end of its range of motion, the ends of its range of motion corresponding to a raised position and a storage position. The shafts 16 may feature internal clips 15, which extend into corresponding cavities in the internal surfaces of the frame 10 when each shaft 16 is extended. The ends of such internal clips 15 are rounded to enable the user to retract the shaft 16, using simple hand pressure.

The frame 10, the clip 11, the flags 12, 13, and 14, and the shafts 16 are preferably manufactured from an inexpensive, rigid, durable material, such as high-impact plastic, steel, or aluminum. The flags 12, 13, and 14 may be manufactured from material that is the same color or of different colors, to enable the golfer to mentally link a flag color with the number of golf clubs he has removed from the golf bag. The internal clips 15 are preferably manufactured from an inexpensive, semi-rigid, durable material such as plastic or nylon.

Referring now to the second exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-10, the second exemplary embodiment provides rotatable flags, as opposed to slidable flags. In the second exemplary embodiment, a frame 310 with at least three small flags 312, 313, and 314 is provided. The frame 310 is to be clipped to the upper seam of a golf bag 311, and used to remind the golfer of how many golf clubs removed from the golf bag. The frame 310 contains a set of at least three flags; a “2” flag 312, a “3” flag 313, and a “4” flag 314. More or fewer flags are contemplated. Each flag 312, 313, and 314 corresponds to the number of golf clubs 315 the golfer has removed from the golf bag 311. It is assumed that if the golfer removed only one golf club, he will have it in his or her hand and can easily remember to return it to the golf bag 311. The frame 310 is equipped with a clip for removably clipping to the golf bag 311 without damaging it. Once the golfer has removed a specific number of golf clubs 315 from the golf bag 311, he or she will raise the flag that represents the number that corresponds to the number of golf clubs 315 removed. When the golfer is returning to the cart, he or she will preferably notice the flag 312, 313, and 314 and will be reminded of the number of golf clubs 315 taken, and whether any golf clubs 315 were accidently left behind on the course.

Each flag 312, 313, and 314 is preferably rigid and composed of a flat triangle, like a pennant, at the end of a shaft. Preferably, the shaft is three inches long and the triangle is one inch long. The shaft is preferably pivotably affixed to the frame 310 in a manner that enables the shaft to rotate at least 90 degrees, between a raised position and a storage position, and lock into position at each end of the arc of rotation. The frame 310 and its flags 312, 313, and 314 would be manufactured from an inexpensive, rigid material, such as high-impact plastic, steel, or aluminum. The flags 312, 313, and 314 may be made of material that is the same color or of different colors to enable the golfer to mentally link a flag color with the number of golf clubs 315 he has removed from the golf bag 311.

Components, component sizes, and materials listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components or materials could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A golf club flag system comprising: (a) a frame; (b) at least one clip; (c) said at least one clip being affixed to said frame; (d) a golf bag; (e) said at least one clip being configured to releasably attach to said golf bag; (f) a plurality of flags; (g) said plurality of flags being movably attached to said frame such that said flags may be moved individually between a raised position and a storage position; and (h) a retaining means for selectively retaining said plurality of flags in said raised position or in said storage position.
 2. The golf club flag system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of flags is three in number and wherein the first of said plurality of flags is marked with and indicium signifying the number two, the second of said plurality of flags is marked with an indicium signifying the number three, and the third of said plurality of flags is marked with an indicium signifying the number
 4. 3. A method of using the golf club flag system of claim 2 comprising, from a state in which said golf bag contains a plurality of clubs: (a) removing two, three, or four of said plurality of clubs from said golf bag; (b) raising one of the group of: (i) the one of said plurality of flags which is marked with said indicium signifying the number two; (ii) the one of said plurality of flags which is marked with said indicium signifying the number three; or (iii) the one of said plurality of flags which is marked with said indicium signifying the number four, according to the number of said plurality of clubs removed from said golf bag; (c) using those of said plurality of clubs removed from said golf bag; (d) observing which of said plurality of flags is raised and being reminded of the number of said plurality of clubs removed from said golf bag; (e) replacing those of said plurality of clubs removed from said golf bag back into said golf bag; (f) lowering the one of said plurality of flags that is raised; whereby none of said plurality of clubs is left behind.
 4. The golf club flag system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of flags is slidably attached within said frame, and wherein said retaining means for selectively retaining said plurality of flags in said raised position or in said storage position comprises a plurality of internal clips.
 5. The golf club flag system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of flags is slidably attached within said frame, and wherein said retaining means for selectively retaining said plurality of flags in said raised position or in said storage position comprises a plurality of internal clips.
 6. The method of using a golf club flag system of claim 3 wherein said plurality of flags is slidably attached within said frame, and wherein said retaining means for selectively retaining said plurality of flags in said raised position or in said storage position comprises a plurality of internal clips.
 7. The method of using a golf club flag system of claim 6 further comprising manually releasing said internal clips when raising or lowering any of said plurality of flags.
 8. The golf club flag system of claim 1 wherein each of said plurality of flags comprises a rigid shaft and a rigid triangular flag, said rigid triangular flag being affixed to said rigid shaft at its distal end.
 9. The golf club flag system of claim 8 wherein said rigid shaft is about 6 inches in length, and wherein said rigid triangular flag is about two inches in length.
 10. The golf club flag system of claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of flags comprises a rigid shaft and a rigid triangular flag, said rigid triangular flag being affixed to said rigid shaft at its distal end.
 11. The golf club flag system of claim 10 wherein said rigid shaft is about 6 inches in length, and wherein said rigid triangular flag is about two inches in length.
 12. The golf club flag system of claim 3 wherein each of said plurality of flags comprises a rigid shaft and a rigid triangular flag, said rigid triangular flag being affixed to said rigid shaft at its distal end.
 13. The golf club flag system of claim 12 wherein said rigid shaft is about 6 inches in length, and wherein said rigid triangular flag is about two inches in length.
 14. The golf club flag system of claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of flags comprises a rigid shaft and a rigid triangular flag, said rigid triangular flag being affixed to said rigid shaft at its distal end.
 15. The golf club flag system of claim 14 wherein said rigid shaft is about 6 inches in length, and wherein said rigid triangular flag is about two inches in length.
 16. The golf club flag system of claim 5 wherein each of said plurality of flags comprises a rigid shaft and a rigid triangular flag, said rigid triangular flag being affixed to said rigid shaft at its distal end.
 17. The golf club flag system of claim 16 wherein said rigid shaft is about 6 inches in length, and wherein said rigid triangular flag is about two inches in length.
 18. The golf club flag system of claim 6 wherein each of said plurality of flags comprises a rigid shaft and a rigid triangular flag, said rigid triangular flag being affixed to said rigid shaft at its distal end.
 19. The golf club flag system of claim 18 wherein said rigid shaft is about 6 inches in length, and wherein said rigid triangular flag is about two inches in length.
 20. The golf club flag system of claim 7 wherein each of said plurality of flags comprises a rigid shaft and a rigid triangular flag, said rigid triangular flag being affixed to said rigid shaft at its distal end.
 21. The golf club flag system of claim 20 wherein said rigid shaft is about 6 inches in length, and wherein said rigid triangular flag is about two inches in length.
 22. The golf club flag system of claim 1 wherein said plurality of flags is rotatably attached to said frame such that each of said plurality of flags may be rotated between an about vertical storage position and an about horizontal raised position.
 23. The golf club flag system of claim 2 wherein said plurality of flags is rotatably attached to said frame such that each of said plurality of flags may be rotated between an about vertical storage position and an about horizontal raised position.
 24. The method of using a golf club flag system of claim 3 wherein said plurality of flags wherein said plurality of flags is rotatably attached to said frame such that each of said plurality of flags may be rotated between an about vertical storage position and an about horizontal raised position. 